Court Grants Sowore N200 Million Bail
The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate and publisher Omoyele Sowore N200 million bail following his arraignment on alleged cybercrime offences. Justice Mohammed Umar delivered the ruling on Tuesday, setting conditions for Sowore's release.
Bail Conditions and Surety Requirements
Justice Umar ordered Sowore to provide two sureties before his release. One surety must be a traditional ruler from his community, while the other must own landed property within Abuja. The court also directed that the identities and documents of the sureties be verified by the prosecution before acceptance.
Passport Submission and Next Hearing
As part of the bail conditions, Sowore must submit his international passport to the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court until the case concludes. The judge released Sowore to his legal team and adjourned proceedings until Monday, July 6, when the defendant is expected to begin his defence. This decision followed an earlier ruling that ordered Sowore's remand at Kuje Correctional Centre while considering an application related to bail revocation and a bench warrant.
DSS Allegations
The Department of State Services (DSS) is prosecuting Sowore over cybercrime allegations linked to a social media post in which he allegedly referred to President Bola Tinubu as "a criminal," according to Punch. Justice Umar had previously dismissed Sowore's request for the judge to withdraw over bias claims, allowing the matter to proceed.
Background of the Case
Previously, Sowore was remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his application to set aside a bail revocation order. The suit was filed by the DSS over allegations of cyberbullying President Tinubu. The secret police had asked the court to revoke the bail earlier granted to the AAC presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
